Links for Storm and Disaster Preparedness

Government Emergency Preparedness Resources

Federal Level Resources

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) – Primary website provides comprehensive disaster preparedness guides – Offers the FEMA Mobile App with real-time weather alerts and preparedness strategies – Includes specific guides for: – Hurricane preparedness – Winter storm preparation – General emergency response

Ready.gov

National public service campaign for emergency preparedness – Provides comprehensive preparedness brochures – Features detailed guidance for: – Making emergency plans – Building emergency kits – Hurricane preparation – Severe weather response

National Weather Service (NWS) – Offers critical weather information and warnings – Provides resources for: – Flash flood warnings – Severe weather statements – Winter storm warnings

Older Adults Info for Emergencies

Older Adults | Ready.gov

State Level Resources

Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) – Coordinates state and federal resources for local government assistance – Operates under the Michigan Emergency Management Act – Manages federal grants and homeland security initiatives

Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) – Provides emergency preparedness information – Offers guidance for: – Gas leak response – Safe digging practices – Links to utility company outage maps

photo of Paradise Bay Beaver Island, Michigan by Greg Doig

Local Level Resources

Tri-County Office of Emergency Management – Serves Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties – Provides the BE ALERT notification system – Integrated with Rave’s Smart911 profile system – Offers alerts for: – Severe weather – Evacuation information – Infrastructure issues

Weather Radio Manufacturers

Eton – Offers guides for emergency radios and flashlights – Features products licensed by the American Red Cross – Includes hand-crank and solar-powered device guides

Midland – Provides guides for products like the ER310 emergency radio – Includes information on: – Reception optimization – Flashlight operation – Charging options

Uniden – Offers guides for weather radio operation and maintenance

Utility Company Resources

Consumers Energy – Offers comprehensive power outage guides – Provides: – Storm readiness advice – Generator safety guidelines – Equipment protection information

DTE Energy – Features outage maps – Provides safety guidelines – Includes power outage response information

Great Lakes Energy – Features outage maps – Provides safety guidelines – Includes power outage response information

For the most up-to-date information, it’s recommended to regularly check these websites and contact the organizations directly if needed.

Weblinks

Federal Resources,

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency),https://www.fema.gov

Ready.gov,https://www.ready.gov

National Weather Service,https://www.weather.gov

State Resources

Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division,

https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/emhsd

Michigan Public Service Commission

https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc

Local Resources

Tri-County Office of Emergency Management, Cheboygan, Emmet and Charlevoix Counties Michigan

Radio Manufacturer Resources

Eton Corporation,https://etoncorp.com

Midland Radio,https://midlandusa.com

Uniden,https://uniden.com

Utility Companies,

Consumers Energy,https://www.consumersenergy.com/residential

DTE Energy,https://www.dteenergy.com

Great Lakes Energy https://www.gtlakes.com/

Comprehensive Power Outage Emergency Kit Checklist

Introduction

While severe weather remains the leading cause of power outages, electricity can fail for many reasons and at any time of year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Americans experience an average of six hours of power interruptions annually. Though extended outages are relatively rare, being prepared ensures the best outcome during an emergency.

This checklist will help you build a comprehensive emergency kit tailored to your household’s specific needs.

Essential Items for Every Season

[ ] Water
- One gallon per person, per day (minimum 3-day supply)
- Consider additional water for pets
[ ] Non-perishable Food
- Canned meats and vegetables
- Mini-boxes of cereal
- Dried fruits and jerky
- Nut butters and preserves
- Trail mixes and granola bars
- Plastic utensils
- Manual can opener
[ ] First Aid Supplies
- Basic first aid kit
- Prescription medications (7-day supply)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Personal medical supplies
[ ] Communication & Information
- Weather radio (battery-operated or hand-crank)
- Landline telephone (doesn’t require electricity)
- Power banks and charging cables
- 12V adapter for car charging
- Extra batteries in various sizes
[ ] Important Documents
- Copies of insurance cards
- Health ID information
- Emergency contact list
- Store in waterproof container
[ ] Cash & Identification
- Emergency cash in small denominations
- ID cards
- Credit cards
[ ] Personal Hygiene
- Extra soap and hand sanitizer
- Dry shampoo
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toilet paper (minimum one roll)
- Waste bags
[ ] Light Sources
- LED flashlights (battery-powered or crank)
- Candles (preferably those that don’t require holders)
- Matches or lighters in waterproof container
[ ] Tools & Supplies
- Duct tape (one roll)
- Aluminum foil (one roll)
- Basic tool kit
- Spare car keys
- Whistle to signal for help
[ ] Comfort & Morale
- Books, games, puzzles
- Playing cards
- Activities for children

Seasonal Items

Summer Specific Items

[ ] Battery-powered fans
[ ] Sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Hats and lightweight clothing
[ ] Insect repellent
[ ] Cooling towels

Winter Specific Items

[ ] Hand warmers (single-use chemical or battery-operated)
[ ] Extra blankets
- Note: If basement floods due to burst pipes, store extras in accessible location
[ ] Winter clothing layers
[ ] Emergency heat source (with proper ventilation)
[ ] Snow removal tools

Special Needs Items

Baby Items

[ ] Diapers (three-day supply)
- Rotate every other month to match current size
[ ] Wipes (three-day supply)
[ ] Formula (three-day supply)
[ ] Baby food (three-day supply)
[ ] Extra clothing
- Babies and toddlers require more frequent changes
[ ] Comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals)
[ ] Pediatric medications

Pet Items

[ ] Pet food (three-day supply)
- Canned food has longer shelf life
[ ] Water and collapsible bowl (three-day supply)
[ ] Safety harnesses and leashes
[ ] ID and vaccination tags
[ ] Waste bags
[ ] Pet medications
[ ] Comfort items (toys, beds)

Extended Emergency Items

[ ] Tent
- Big enough for two people, but small enough to carry
[ ] Water purification tablets
- Used to ensure water is drinkable
[ ] Rope
[ ] Portable stove and fuel
[ ] Emergency blankets (mylar)
[ ] Work gloves
[ ] N95 masks
[ ] Waterproof matches
[ ] Signal mirror
[ ] Compass

Maintenance Schedule

Check emergency kit every 6 months
Replace expired food, medication, and batteries
Update documents as needed
Test all equipment (flashlights, radios, etc.)
Recharge power banks
Practice your emergency plan with household members

Tips for Managing During a Power Outage

Report your outage to your utility company
Check your circuit breakers/fuses first to rule out household electrical issues
Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed as much as possible
Use generators outdoors only, far from windows and doors
Never use outdoor cooking equipment indoors
Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges
Use flashlights instead of candles when possible for safety
Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or have medical needs
Have a family communication plan in place before an emergency occurs
Know where to go if you need to evacuate due to prolonged outage